When To Float Artwork
We have a lot of fun helping customers work out the framing style that works best for their artwork and taste.
And with online framing, the experience is more convenient and affordable than ever.
When framing your poster, print or photo, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best frame style. Adding a beveled mat is one way to elevate the look and draw more focus to the artwork. The inside edge of the mat's window opening will overlap the art by about 1/4" on each side to hold everything in place:
However, when you want to make sure that the entirety of the artwork is shown, for instance when the edges of the paper have any interesting characteristics or an artist signature, we like to recommend floating.
"Floating" or "float mounting" means that your artwork sits on top of the matting as opposed to being partially overlapped by the mat or the lip of the frame.
An original charcoal drawing with an Elevated float mount in our Black Maple frame
A float frame is most practical for artwork when the image comes all the way to the edges.
When a print has deckled or uneven edges, floating can also showcase the texture or shape of the paper, enhancing the overall beauty of the artwork for maximum visual effect on any wall.
Elevated Float Mounting
We offer a few different ways to float your artwork.
One popular option is called "Elevated", which creates the illusion that the print is literally floating on its own above the mat and inside the frame.
The shadow created underneath the print adds some extra drama:
"He is the Zissou" screen print by Tim Doyle Elevated float frame mounted in our White Maple profile
To achieve this, we mount the artwork with archival mounting tissue onto a foamboard lift, and then mount that onto the mat backing.
The elevation of the lift is what creates the floating effect and shadow, by spacing the art away from the backing. And we cut the the edges of the lift at a 45 degree angle so that when the float frame is viewed from the side, the lift disappears underneath and out of sight.
To select an Elevated Float for your artwork, look for the Advanced Options in our frame designer:
Adding an elevated float mount to "Blue Woman" by Katie Re Scheidt
Adjust the amount of space between the artwork and the frame by using the slider to change the margin.
You can also change the background color of the matting in the Advanced Options section, where you will find some additional options for mat colors and thickness (ply). White is the most popular matting color for float mounts, but on certain prints, you can experiment with something bolder like black or one of the grey tones.
Starline #4 by 2046 Design - Elevated float mounted against our Cool Grey matting
Sandwich Floating
When the art is inserted between the glazing and matting, we aptly call it "Sandwich" floating.
With this treatment, the artwork is floated on top of the mat but without the spacers. There is a margin between the artwork and the sides of the frame, so that the edges of the print are revealed but without the shadow effect of the Elevated treatment.
It's a nice way to subtly exhibit the textures of the paper:
"True Spirit" screen print by DABSMYLA Sandwich mounted in our White Maple frames
If you'd like to add more impact and really make a Sandwich floated print pop, you can opt for black matting instead of white.
The acrylic glaze we use in framing is a much better protector against condensation than glass, which makes it resistant to becoming stuck to your prints. However, if your artwork is high in value or if you prefer to keep some distance between the art and the acrylic, we recommend requesting spacers to create separation between the two.
To select a Sandwich float, you will also open the Advanced Options section underneath the "Finalize" button.
Framing Around Signatures and Edition Numbers
Another reason you may want to float a print or poster is to preserve the artist signature or edition number that could otherwise be covered up by the frame or mat.
Contemporary art print with artist embellishment in lower corner, float mounted with spacers
If you have questions about setting up an online custom framing project and measuring your artwork in this case, we have a number of tips for framing artwork with signatures and borders.
Signed and numbered art print framed with an elevated float mount.
Note that if you want to frame a photo, we offer this treatment as well in the Advanced Options section.
We hope this has been a useful guide for float mounting your posters and prints. But if you're having trouble deciding which variation would work best for your print, don't hesitate to reach out.
We'll guide you through the custom framing process and together pick out the best way to present your artwork.
Just get in touch with our team via the chat bubble or via email to hello@levelframes.com.
Happy framing!
